A former Oracle engineer on an H-1B visa says AI and tech layoffs pushed him into constant career-prep mode
A former Oracle engineer says AI and layoffs have raised the stakes for H-1B visa holders. Here's how he's adapting.
Ayush Raj Jha, an ex-Oracle engineer on an H-1B visa, discusses how advancements in artificial intelligence and recent tech layoffs have changed the landscape of software engineering. Jha moved to the US in 2018 to pursue a master's degree in computer science, but now he is concerned about the future of the industry and his own career prospects in the US.
The rise of AI and a series of layoffs have created "constant fear and uncertainty" for H-1B visa holders, who have only 60 days to secure a new job or risk losing their legal status in the country. Jha, who has worked on projects related to public safety agencies and healthcare software, says that he has had to adapt to the changing industry by dedicating eight to 10 hours per week outside of work to learning AI and staying competitive.
He also mentioned LinkedIn as a source of information on tech layoffs, which has reinforced his concerns. Jha recently found a new role as a staff software engineer at a customer service software company, which he believes offers greater stability due to its private ownership and strong engineering culture. He advises other tech workers, including those on H-1B visas, to stay prepared for interviews and always be ready for the possibility of a job change.
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